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Fine Classical Chinese Paintings & Calligraphy

Results: Sotheby's Asia Week achieved $52.4 million in six strong auctions, exceeding pre-sale estimates. With 76.5% of lots sold and 60.3% of lots surpassing high estimates, the Asian art sales at Sotheby's indicate continued collector interest in the finest works of art from China, India and and the Himalayas. Now is the time to consign to Sotheby’s next Asia Week auctions, which take place in September 2017. Consigning is easy: simply email images and a description of your artwork to asiaweek@sothebys.com.

Auction Details: Twice a year the Classical Chinese Paintings & Calligraphy department brings to market rare and outstanding artworks during Asia Week, affording our collectors a memorable art experience while assisting them in their collecting needs. In 2017 Spring, Fine Classical Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy will feature a strong selection of works sourced from around the world. Leading the sale is a captivating album by Bada Shanren which depicts flowers, fruits, birds and fish and is dated 1703 of his twilight years. The album bears three collector's seals of Zhang Daqian, was featured in exhibitions at the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, the Yale University Art Gallery, and referenced in numerous catalogues and scholarly publications, including the Comprehensive Illustrated Catalog of Chinese Paintings by Kei Suzuki, and Master of the Lotus Garden: The Life and Art of Bada Shanren by Wang Fangyu and Richard M. Barnhart. Also of great interest is a tranquil landscape by Wu Zhen, one of the so-called Four Masters of the Yuan dynasty, whose way of the brush epitomize the ideals of the 14th century. Other key offerings include two spectacular landscape albums by Wang Jian, one skillfully executed in the manner of ancient masters while the other demonstrating distinctive personal style; a Landscape and Calligraphy album by Dai Benxiao featuring eight majestic views of Mount Huangshan; and a handscroll and an album by Dong Qichang, whose calligraphy significantly influenced future generations. Modern highlights include an outstanding Lion by Xu Beihong, and artworks by Zhang Daqian and Pu Ru fresh to the market. Also worthy of attention is a series of works by Ding Yanyong, received directly from a student of the artist, and consigned alongside exceptional pieces by artists of the Lingnan School.